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Bodyweight Side Lying Hip Abduction

Beginner
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A bodyweight exercise performed lying on your side, lifting the top leg to target hip abductors like gluteus medius for improved pelvic stability and support in squats and lunges.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abductors

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Rehab
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abductors

10/10

Glute Medius, TFL

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

3/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie on your side on a mat with legs straight and stacked, body aligned from head to heels. Rest head on lower arm and place upper hand on hip for stability.

  1. Engage core to stabilize pelvis.
  2. Exhale and lift top leg straight up toward ceiling, leading with heel.
  3. Keep foot neutral or toes slightly down.
  4. Lift until leg is in line with hip or slightly above.
  5. Inhale and lower leg slowly without resting on bottom leg.
  6. Repeat for reps, then switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips stacked
  • Lead with heel
  • Core tight
  • No torso roll
  • Leg straight

Breathing

Exhale as you lift the leg; inhale as you lower it. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Lift top leg from stacked position to parallel with torso, about 12-18 inches, without hip tilt.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute hip pain
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Use mat for comfort
  • Keep spine neutral
  • Consult professional for injuries

Spotting

Not required; self-supported bodyweight exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Rolling hips forward
  • Lifting too high
  • Using momentum
  • Arching back
  • Letting leg rest

When to Avoid

  • Acute hip injury
  • Severe lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion range

Build Up First

  • Basic body awareness
  • Ability to lie on side comfortably

Also known as

Side Lying Leg Lift, Lateral Hip Raise, Side-Lying Abduction

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